Used car market risks: Odometer fraud and consumer protections

Consumers purchasing used vehicles face significant risks regarding mechanical integrity, documentation, and odometer accuracy. In Italy, experts advise verifying mileage through official Ministry of Transport databases and conducting thorough test drives to identify issues with brakes, gearboxes, or suspension. Comparing prices across different regions and choosing between private sellers and professional dealers is recommended, noting that dealers offer greater legal protections.

In Romania, data from Plus-Auto indicates that 8.1% of verified used cars have manipulated mileage, with an average discrepancy of 66,800 km. This can result in substantial financial losses; for instance, a car listed at €20,000 with falsified mileage may only be worth approximately €16,700.

Key differences between private sales and verified dealers include legal guarantees, documented history, and tax invoice availability. While private transactions often offer lower prices, they lack the minimum 12-month legal guarantee and standardized inspection procedures provided by professional dealers, who are subject to consumer protection oversight by agencies like the ANPC.